An exploration of the contribution of nurses and care assistants to patients’ mobility rehabilitation.

Abstract

Aim of the thesis: To report on a study to describe and explain the contribution of registered nurses’ and care assistants’ to hospitalised patients’ mobility rehabilitation.
Background: Studies internationally have shown that older adults often experience a decrease in their ability to mobilise during and after hospitalisation. Rehabilitation nursing interventions could be important in maximising the functional abilities of this population.
Methods: A grounded theory approach structured data collection and analysis. Data were derived from three hospital settings (general rehabilitation, spinal injuries and stroke rehabilitation) and included 39 staff interviews and 61 hours of observation.
Findings: Mobility rehabilitation is an ‘embedded activity’ and is achieved indirectly when nurses and care assistants transfer patients safely from one place to another. These events are described as ‘A to B transfers’. Practitioners perceive distinct differences in the process and purpose of ‘A to B’ transfers in comparison to ‘therapeutic handling’ activities undertaken by physiotherapists and occupational therapists. The core category for the grounded theory (Care to keep safe: Safe to care) is used to explain the findings.
Conclusion: Theoretically, the nursing team could implement more structured intentional strategies’ to promote patients’ mobility rehabilitation. However, teamworking arrangements and work environments do not facilitate this.

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